[The role of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in child development].

ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are incorporated in cell membranes and play an important role in the development and functioning of organs. Consolidation of data on the role of ω-3 PUFAs in child development may increase the professional's awareness, help to plan clinical studies, and develop recommendations for supplementation. The aim of the research was to analyze literature data on the effect of ω-3 PUFAs on the central nervous system, immune system, and vision in children. Material and methods. 86 literature sources have been analyzed, a keyword search was carried out in the PubMed, Scopus, Elsevier, eLibrary and Google Scholar databases. Results. ω-3 PUFAs (alpha-linolenic, docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids) are not synthesized in the human organism, and should be obtained from food. The need for ω-3 PUFAs is especially high during periods of rapid growth (the first years of life and adolescence). ω-3 PUFAs play an important role in the anatomical and functional development of the brain, affecting the maturation and functioning of neurons, participating in the processes of neurogenesis, migration, synaptogenesis, and neurotransmission. The results of clinical studies on the effect of ω-3 PUFAs on the cognitive functions of healthy children and patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are contradictory, which requ ires further research. PUFAs are substrates for the synthesis of bioactive compounds and take part in the control of acute and chronic inflammation, and also have a regulatory effect on immune cells. ω-3 PUFAs supplementation decreases the frequency and duration of acute respiratory viral infections in children. This indicates the potential effectiveness of ω-3 PUFAs in the prevention of acute respiratory viral infections. Сlinical studies demonstrated positive effects of ω-3 PUFAs on retinal development in premature infants. Conclusion. Adequate intake of ω-3 PUFAs is essential for the development and functioning of the central nervous system, immune system and vision in children. The body content of ω-3 PUFAs is closely related to the nutrition. In the Russian Federation, consumption of fish and other products containing ω-3 PUFAs is traditionally low. The majority of the Russian population has a deficiency in ω-3 PUFA consumption. With an unbalanced diet, supplementation of ω-3 PUFAs is necessary.

[The problem of insomnia in infant/young children: issues of diagnosis and treatment]. / Problemy narusheniya sna u detei rannego vozrasta: voprosy diagnostiki i korrektsii.

OBJECTIVE: To obtain further evidence of the efficacy of dormikind in infant/young children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed in the group of 114 patients, aged 6 months to 2.5 years, with sleep and sleep initiation disorders. Sixty-four patients received treatment with dormikind (group 1) and 50 patients received behavioral therapy (group 2) for 28 days. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In group 1, sleep initiation decreased by 1.7 times and reached 26.2±4.8 minutes, the number of children sleeping on hands dropped by 8.7 times and sleeping in the parent's bed by 2 times. In group 2, the same characteristics changed by 1.1, 1.3 and 1.5 times, respectively, and sleep initiation reached 33.4±2.9 minutes. The number of patients of group 1 falling asleep in their own beds increased by 3.2 times vs 1.2 times in group 2. Duration of night sleep increased and frequency of awakening reduced as well. The significant positive dynamics was noted in the emotional-behavior state of children after therapy: the total score significantly improved by 2.9 times to the end of treatment compared to group 2 (by 1.3 times). IMOS score showed significant difference between the groups on «total recovery¼ and «significant improvement¼. Therefore, the high efficacy and safety of dormikind in children have been confirmed.